By Peter Dansu The Ojo Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, organized a major aware...
By Peter Dansu
The Ojo Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, organized a major awareness campaign to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day's activities joined students, community leaders, and important stakeholders in a united call to action against drug misuse.
The awareness road walk began at The Event Gallery at Nnobi Street Junction, Iba, Lagos, which drew participation from over 200 persons, including students, NDLEA officials, and community representatives. While marching on by chanting "Say No to Drugs" and other anti-drug messages, the group combated passersby with the urgency with which the drug abuse crisis must be taken.
The walk ended at Oniba Hall, where more impactful activities were held — educational talks, quiz contest, and a debate among selected secondary schools created the following opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and passion for drug-free living with top performers recognized and rewarded with prizes donated by institutions including FUNMAC and Rolex School.
In his keynote address, DCN Nichols I. Ibisa, Area Commander of NDLEA Ojo, reiterated the importance of focusing on prevention rather than cure. "The evidence is clear-investing in prevention is the most effective way to disrupt the cycle of drug abuse and dismantle organized crime," he said. He reaffirmed the agency's commitment to working closely with schools and local organizations to promote evidence-based drug education.
Other speakers at the event echoed such similar concerns. Early education and community engagement will be critical tools in protecting our youth from the grip of substance abuse, said Mr. Chinedum James of Society Eye.
Obideyi Olabanji also of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Okoko Zone, underscored what pharmacists are known to do in keeping an eye against drug misuse: "We are the first line of defense in ensuring safe and appropriate use of medications."
Mr. Frank Austin of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) highlighted that the enforcement of compliance must be seen among medicine sellers, while Mr. Herbert Onyeakosi of the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association (LSMDA) still said commitment to continued support in the regulatory enforcement against circulation of harmful drugs will be his pledge.
This emotive portrayal of the very real effects of drug abuse among youth, brought home by students of Trophy Guide School, is a dramatic skit.
This year's theme, *"The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,"* obviously rallies the spirit throughout the event in carrying a call by the NDLEA to action towards proactive, community-based solutions.
With high turnout and very effective messaging, the NDLEA Ojo Area Command World's commemoration on drugs does stand as an example in the potential of coming together in making a drug-free tomorrow.
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